Bonneville America Forums Forums Technical Forums General Tech Dang Master Link!

Well, the new master link plate/clip for my new X-ring EK chain has officially whooped my arse yesterday.

I got the master link installed, and got the master link outer plate on the pins (tip of pins flush with outer surface of outer master link plate), but I can't get the plate on any further, to expose the grooves in the pins for the clip to be installed.
I know these master links with O-rings have always been a b1tch to squeeze tight enough to get the clip on, but THIS one is a MOTHER!
I'm using a 8" C-Clamp to (trying to) press it on, but DANG!


Will give it a "Second Wind" try today.

Oil stone the sides down a few thou? But not the retainer clip.

I put the plate on then put the clip in place and used the point on my chain breaker to push the plate on through the hole in the clip. Once compressed enough I pushed the clip in place.

Needle nose vice grips?

A road trip to the engineers who designed it for an application of WHIP A$$!?

Yeah, really.

I got it today.
The problem wasn't getting the clip on, it was getting the plate on the pins. TIGHT FIT!
A little hand held press finally got it on.

BUT THEN, I couldn't see the grooves in the pins, to know when the plate was on enough to add the clip.
mic'd it (the width of the link), and it was the same as the standard links, but still couldn't even see the beginning of any groove. Also, couldn't find the clip.

Came to the conclusion now, seeing that there is ALSO little dimples (holes) in the ends of the pins, that THIS link must be a rivet link! DAMN IT MAN! That is NOT what I wanted!

I don't even have a rivet tool.

A blunt center punch and a stout metallic backing and you can upset the rivets adaquately, been there and done that. Usually better results with one blow from a big hammer than a bunch of taps with a lighter one. A helper to hold the backup is required.

Remember this when some old timer tells you how easy it is to replace a chain on the side of the road. Me I like Belts.

I have replaced chains along the side of the road and it is easy and permanent, you could ride the rest of the day or week or month on the repair. Do that with your belt. Your belt breaks and you day of riding is shot. Even if you get a truck and get it to a shop you still have to take half the bike apart to change it, and belts do break, I have seen it, more than once. I carry links and chain breaker and with the right tools (that I do carry) it takes about 10 to 15 minutes. How long does it take to repair your belt so you can ride the rest of the day? Oh, that's right, you can't.

That seems like it was quite an ordeal. I have worked on a lot of chains and have had issues. Something seems out of sorts with all that.

Yeah, I was just feelin' stupid.

Three days ago, I'd'a tol' ya that changin' a chain was probably the easiest thing to do other than changin' plugs or oil.

Hindsight bein' what it is, the last chain I changed was pre-ring (o/x), with a clip style m/l.
Only tool needed was a screwdriver.

I went back & looked at the listing for the chain I bought, and it definitly makes it look like it came standard with the clip style m/l. I'm told you can buy a clip style m/l, but the X-rings only come with rivited links standard.

I feel stupid that I didn't notice the m/l when I opened the box, and stupid for not goggling "chain install" prior to starting the job.

I should know NOTHING goes the same as it did when I was a kid!

As of yesterday, it's on, just not riveted yet. (I hear THAT can be tricky too)

In normal adult use a belt lasts well over 50K miles, is cleaner, quieter and smoother. I like belts.

How many rocks are in Michigan? All I have ever seen there is sand and a few imported blast furnace clinkers spread here and there for winter traction. Where I live if you have 10 acres and a permit, you own a potentially profitable gravel pit.